Brian Grant Herbert passed away peacefully in Oakville, Ontario, on March 30, 2026, at the age of 78, surrounded by family and friends. Born in Toronto on July 9, 1947, Brian grew up in Don Mills. He was predeceased by his parents, Edith Lucy “Tish” (Manley) and William Grant “Bill” Herbert, and is survived by his sisters Judith Shelley Asserson (Calgary) and Mary Anne Herbert (Stittsville).

Brian’s lifelong fascination with the origins of humanity began early. Inspired by Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution and the Leakey family’s discoveries at Olduvai Gorge, he developed a deep interest in paleoanthropology. His “Darwin Desk”, a curious and beloved collection of bones, fossils, and preserved oddities, became a hallmark of his inquisitive spirit.

In his teens, Brian was proud to earn the Queen’s Scout Award, the highest youth award in the Commonwealth Scouting.

After high school, Brian worked for several years in the Mammalogy Lab at the Royal Ontario Museum, where he met his lifelong friend, Glen Murphy. During this time, he also refined his artistic talent, specializing in pen and ink stippling. His intricate artwork is cherished by family, friends, colleagues, and admirers across Canada and around the world.

Brian was widely known as a calm, caring, and compassionate man, qualities that shaped his 32 year career as a paramedic in Toronto. He began his service in January 1981 and retired in July 2013, spending most of his career in the city’s northeast quadrant at 23 Station (Don Valley/Sheppard). Over the years, he worked alongside many long term partners, including Lorelei Martin, Mallory Woodcock, and Jennifer Lutz. During his ambulance training, Brian met another lifelong friend, Phil Cifarelli, and Phil’s wife, Chris, who welcomed him as part of their family. Their steadfast support through both joyful years and the challenges of Brian’s declining health is deeply appreciated.

Brian will also be remembered for his unwavering devotion to the Detroit Red Wings and his admiration for “Mr. Hockey,” Gordie Howe. His musical tastes, shaped in the 1960s, ranged from the Beatles and the Dave Clark Five to the Ugly Ducklings, the Lovin’ Spoonful, and Frank Ifield’s “I Remember You.”

Left to honour his memory are his sisters Shelley (Jorgen, deceased) and Mary (Peter); nieces Marta Asserson and Laura Olejnik (Matt); nephew Nicholas Hanschke (Melissa); great nephews Logan and Myles; great niece Edith Hanschke; and cousins Meg Goard and Lin Herbert.

Brian’s ashes will be interred in late May in the Herbert family plot at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Toronto, followed by a private gathering to celebrate his extraordinary yet beautifully ordinary life.

In lieu of flowers, donations to World Wildlife Fund Canada or Project Smile Canada Brian’s memory would be greatly appreciated.